The project design incorporates 49 new trees in the same species palette as the existing street trees, which were selected with input from the community. Five young trees (including one dead tree) will be removed to enhance safety at a reconfigured intersection. These trees were planted in industrial soil so they cannot be transplanted.

Other planned elements include widened sidewalks, two new plazas, and new streetlights and street furniture, all designed to create a dynamic commercial and residential district that builds on current amenities.

"We're especially pleased that California Avenue now has the potential to become the fully tree-lined, shaded, vibrant commercial street that the community has long dreamed of," says Catherine Martineau, Canopy's Executive Director.

Each summer Canopy volunteers and partners comb through Palo Alto neighborhoods to survey the health of hundreds of young street trees. Young trees are most vulnerable during their first three years. By monitoring their health and identifying problems early, this survey helps improve survival rates of young city trees.

This is a fun, educational outdoor activity to do on your own, with a friend, or with the whole family.

As the drought persists, we're all finding ways to conserve water and cut waste.

In most single-family homes, close to 50% of water use is outside in yards and gardens. Transitioning from thirsty yards to water-smart landscapes can result in big water savings.

Trees are one of the most water-efficient elements in the urban landscape, and a well-managed urban forest saves more water than it uses in the long-term. That's why it's especially important to keep trees healthy during drought.

Here are a few ideas toreduce outdoor water waste while preserving the benefits of trees and other green infrastructure:

Choose drought-tolerant trees and other plants.

Learn the water requirements of your existing plants using the Canopy Tree Library for local trees, or the WUCOLS (Water Use Classification of Landscape Species) for other landscape plants.

Canopy's Youth Staff learn environmental science and job skills while helping Canopy monitor and care for young trees throughout Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and East Menlo Park. Our summer team includes three new East Palo Alto high school students and one returning Senior Youth Staff.

Join us for an informative, fun walk around Southgate. We will encounter the fast growing Black Locust, stately Coast Redwood, elegant Camphor, Cork Oak, Japanese Persimmon, and many more.

Meet in the Palo Alto High School parking lot on Churchill Avenue at Castijella avenue. Learn more.Sign up.

CAMPFIRE TREE TALK

"Trees of Yosemite" withPark Ranger Bob Roney.

Sat., August 16, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Boyscout Fire Circle at the Lucie Stern Community Center

Join Canopy around the campfire for a lively evening with author, park ranger, and master naturalist Bob Roney, also known as "Ranger Bob." A fun talk for all ages, followed by s'mores and mingling with Canopy friends.

Canopy is a nonprofit environmental organization that plants and protects trees in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and neighboring communities. Thank you for helping us create a continuous, sustainable, and thriving urban forest that can be enjoyed today and by future generations.